NCLEX Respiratory Questions Related

Review NCLEX Respiratory Questions related questions and content

You're caring for a patient with pneumonia. The patient has just started treatment for pneumonia and is still experiencing hypoxemia. You know that respiratory acidosis is very common with patients with pneumonia. Which arterial blood gases below represent respiratory acidosis that is NOT compensated?

  • A. pH 7.29, PaCO2 55, HCO3 23, PO2 85
  • B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 35, HCO3 22, PO2 85
  • C. pH 7.20, PaCO2 20, HCO3 28, PO2 85
  • D. pH 7.55, PaCO 63, HCO3 19, PO2 85
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH (<7.35) and high PaCO2 (>45). Option A (pH 7.29, PaCO2 55, HCO3 23) shows uncompensated respiratory acidosis, as HCO3 is normal, indicating no renal compensation. Other options show normal pH, respiratory alkalosis, or invalid data.